Sunday, October 18, 2009

No hurricanes this year came to our shores. No pushing and shoving in line to buy supplies that were plentiful just a short time before, begging to be purchased. No worried looks from customers wondering how to get ready for the strong winds and rain soon to come.How to do this, how to do that? Who knew a hurricane was coming?

The disappointed looks from the Weather Channel forecasters as they through up their hands and say nothing is happening out there. There were some signs that something might happen again and again, only to be rebuffed northward to fizzle out once more. The official end of the hurricane season is still six weeks away, but we know it is over, the fat lady has sung her last note and the annual anxiety is put to rest once again.

The same people that panic and are always unprepared for the worst will be back next year, forgetful of past years turmoil.

It's here boys and girls. The time of the year we look forward to, a cold snap has come through.

Just a few days ago, it was in the 90's, I awoke this morning to 52 degrees. The AC is off, the windows are open for the first time since April. A briskness in the air. A look at the backyard pool no longer seems inviting, like a jilted lover, it is tucked away in the back of the mind.

The humidity doesn't go away, still a dampness in the air to contend with. It accents the cold air, making it appear chillier then it should be.

The clothes one wears will start to change with the season. More long pants, less shorts. Maybe even wearing socks? with shoes?Sweatshirts and sweaters start to show up like long lost relatives at a free all you can eat buffet.

You know it will happen, the cold air pushing down from the land of our northern brethren, cold fingers inching their way ever southward. It does not bring snow nor ice in its grasp.

Outside work can now be done, gasping for a breath in the heat of the day, just a memory. The tempatures will jump up and down, may plunge in the 30's on occasion, usually in January. Who knows this year, where many places have had snow already.

Soon we will tire of it, wishing for the sunshine we did have, basking in its warmth once again.

Sunday, October 11, 2009

I was in my parents house and could see outside to the back yard. Through the back door window, I could see lions flying through the air. Looking outside, the lions were trying to get over a very high fence, sometimes getting stuck on the top, getting torn up as they sruggled to get over.

Animals were running everywhere. A cow was running away. I saw a black horse running to the back of the yard , circling, gathering up speed and leaping(I could feel the whoosh as the horse went by) over the fence but landing on the roof of the house next door, safe for the moment, but left me wondering, what was going to happen to the horse next, and then I woke up.

Friday, October 2, 2009

Congratulations to Rio De Janeiro for winning the bid to host the 2016 Olympics.

I am from Chicago, so it is with mixed feelings that I am happy they did not win.

It all comes down to money. The cost will be in the billions to build the infrastructure to support the games, which after all, is not about the celebration of sport, but instead it is all about money.

Things are getting tough financially in Chicago. Fees and taxes continue to rise. It makes it expensive to live there. Expressways always need work. Cutbacks are everywhere.

Where would the money come from. Some might point out that the prominence that goes along with being a host. But Chicago is already well known around the world. Visitors seem to always have something nice to stay when they visit.

Yes, jobs would be created. What about afterwards? The bills would still come running in. What would have to be built? There are plenty of sport venues and teams to go along with it. A football stadium, two baseball parks, already exist.

It would be nice, it would be fun, and it would be the most expensive date one would ever have. A financial hangover that the city would never recover, thank goodness Rio won.

Good luck to Rio De Janeiro and be happy Chicago that you did not win.